Located along the world's second-largest barrier reef, it boasts more than 150 established dive sites, from the shelf only 100 yards off the shore of West Bay Beach to the scuttled wreck of the 230-foot El Aguila. The surrounding water boasts year-round warmth and indescribable colour and clarity. Dazzling coral formations provide an ecosystem for nearly two-thirds of the world's marine species and a rugged moonscape for underwater explorers.

It is to here boatloads of divers head out every morning or evening -- in many cases picked right up on the beach -- after paying just $40 for a trip that includes tank, weights and knowledgeable guide.

And owing to the shallow reefs and comforting placidity, snorkeling can be just as much fun:

On one recent foray in the protected marine park of West Bay, I spotted two eagle rays flapping majestically by. A lime-green moray eel slithered between crevices while a hawksbill turtle plunged into the abyss.

At night, you'll see more lobster than you can count while the more adventurous will go on the popular shark dive, joining six-foot reef sharks some 75 feet below the surface.

NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ - Did you play football for the North Plainfield Canucks? Want to connect with former teammates and help support current Canucks? Alumni are beginning the process of establishing an alumni association.

“This message is for all former Canuck football players,” alumni Robert Lake posted. “We are in the process of establishing a football alumni association. Our ...

NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ - Did you play football for the North Plainfield Canucks? Want to connect ...

TRENTON, NJ - Legislation sponsored by Senator Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Mercer)appropriating $9.703 million from corporate business tax revenue to the NJ DEP for state capital and park development, preservation, conservation, and recreation projects has been signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy..

GLADSTONE, N.J. — Competition at Monmouth at the Team begins Monday, Aug. 13 with pony classes, equitation competition and breeding classes. The show is being held at Hamilton Farm, headquarters of the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, and runs through Aug. 20.

Action gets underway 7 a.m. each day.

Eastern Hay is the sponsor of Monmouth at the Team’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, the ...

The summer gardening season is in full swing and gardeners have been harvesting their bounty - lettuces, tomatoes, zucchinis, peppers and herbs. Insect activity is also gearing up in the garden. As the growing degree days increase, so does the damaging effects of pests in the garden. Here are a few ways to protect one of the most popular herb in the garden - BASIL. It's loved by children and ...

The summer gardening season is in full swing and gardeners have been harvesting their bounty - ...

PLAINFIELD, NJ - The annual school supply drive conducted by Netherwood Heights Neighbors is now underway, and the collection will benefit elementary students in Plainfield. The fundraiser will run through Aug. 31st.

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ -The brightly lit midway arch is once again expected to welcome an average of 15,000 local residents to the annual six-day Rotary Fair beginning Tuesday, August 14.

Located adjacent to the Hillsborough Promenade, 315 Route 206, the Fair transforms the field into a classic carnival with over 20 amusement rides, games of chance, food vendors and local business displays.

“It’s ...

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ -The brightly lit midway arch is once again expected to welcome an average of ...

BELMAR, NJ — As a fledgling dune planting flourishes near Belmar’s 12th Avenue beach playground, another patch of greenery is planned for the Third Avenue beach.

In addition to the dune grass, native plants and other suitable foliage that will fill this new 1,500-square-foot area, “pollinators” will be part of the mix, according to Belmar Councilman Thomas Brennan, liaison to the Environmental ...